Ready to leave the rat race and really make a difference in the world? Job hunting in the non-profit world is a little bit different. Here are a few ways to improve your odds at getting your dream non-profit job.
Become an intern.
Internships are valuable for entering many fields, but they are particularly valuable for the non-profit field. Many groups rely heavily on the help of interns, so it’s a great way to get your foot in the door. Idealist.org and YouTern are both great sites to look at. Even if an organization isn’t advertising internship opportunities, give them a call. They may be open to the idea.
Volunteer.
Interested in working for a specific non-profit but can’t seem to hear about opportunities?Volunteering is a great way to get face time with members of the organization and also show them you’re committed to the cause. After you’ve shown that you have what it takes, be sure to express your interest in working for the cause full-time. Also, volunteer work is often something non-profits specifically look for in a candidate.
Develop your skills in the for-profit world.
Remember, although non-profits serve noble causes, your experience as a volunteer might not be enough to show that you have what it takes. In the end, non-profits are businesses, and they need staff members with computer, management, financial, and HR skills. Once they see that you have the skills needed on your resume, you can show them you have the passion for their cause in the cover letter and the interview.
Bone up on your marketing know-how.
Many non-profit staffs are smaller than for-profit business staffs, so people tend to wear multiple hats. One area that many non-profits are looking to improve is their marketing. If they can find more cost-effective ways to get the word out there, they can bring in more money for their cause. That doesn’t just mean marketing through traditional mediums. Digital advertising on social networks and websites is valuable because they often cost very little, so it can pay to learn about social media marketing and have some basic HTML skills.
Emphasize your flexibility.
Remember those multiple hats I mentioned? You need to show you have the ability to wear them. Even if your skills focus in one area, make sure you highlight other skills. Also, be sure to show your ability to multi-task.
Avoid corporate jargon.
Yes, non-profits are businesses, but most people working in the non-profit sector are more down-to-earth than your average corporate head. They likely went into this field because of their passion, not the money, so fancy language that would impress an MBA may turn them off.
Take
Informational interviews.
It’s a great way to let people know you are looking without putting any pressure on the situation. No opportunities right now? No problem. You just want to learn more about the organization and future possibilities. This is also a great opportunity to get feedback on your resume and cover letter. If you’re not sure if you’re using that corporate jargon, you can get direct feedback from someone in the field.
Do your homework.
Before you send in that cover letter or head out to the interview, make sure you understand the organization’s goals. It’s very easy to discover by looking at their website. Then be specific. Sure, you want to make a difference, but why do you want to make a difference as a member of their organization?
Ready to leave the rat race and really make a difference in the world? Job hunting in the non-profit world is a little bit different. Here are a few ways to improve your odds at getting your dream non-profit job.
